Sierra Adams
Coordinator of Communications
As the Communications Coordinator, I help with managing the church website and Vineyard app. I also provide assistance in various other communications areas around the church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Admission Counselor at Bethel University
Favorite Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Favorite sport: Hockey
David Brandt
Children's Ministries Intern
I currently serve on the Children’s ministry team as an intern. I have the opportunity to lead small groups, worship and teaching times for Kids Central and Club 54. I love being a part of a team that gets to share God’s love and His word with everyone who comes to Vineyard Kids.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Nappanee Missionary Church
Favorite Scripture: Psalms 118:24
Favorite book: A Deeper Walk by Marcus Warner
Favorite activity: Being outside – running, hiking, etc.
Kristy Camacho
Director of Children’s Ministry
As the Director of Children’s Ministry, my main role is to shepherd children into having an authentic relationship with Jesus.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Elementary Teacher
Favorite verse: Ephesians 2:10
Favorite Food: Mac and Cheese
Favorite Activity: trying out Pinterest ideas
Mari Clark
Assistant Director of the Vineyard Community Center
I am the Assistant Director of the Vineyard Community Center. I will be concentrating on the education time and expanding the adult ministries at the center.
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: I have done everything from retail management to teacher and coach. My last job though was a trainer at Home Instead.
Nolan Cox
Director of Technical Arts and Production
I am the Director of Technical Arts and Production. I oversee the technical production side of worship and volunteer teams in the booth.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Audio Engineer
Favorite Scripture: John 1:5
Married to: Charity Cox since 2021
Children: Nora Cox
Favorite Activity: Skiing/Snowboarding
Favorite Movie: Interstellar
Keith Crain
Pastor of Newcomers & New Believers
I am the Pastor of Newcomers & New Believers. My job is to make contact with individuals who are new to Vineyard and not only make them feel loved and welcomed, but to get them connected and ultimately help them grow closer to Jesus & people.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Director of Information Technologies with the City of South Bend
Married to: Lori Crain since 1990
Children:
Favorite verses: James 2:14-17
Favorite Vacation Spot: Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Nancy Fish
Office Manager
As the Office Manager (Director) as well as Administrative Assistant to Pastor Mark Pope & Pastor Steve Huffman, I do a lot of different tasks! You can find me organizing, answering questions, emailing, and much more.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Bookkeeper for Fish Marketing, Inc.
Married to: Randy Fish since 1984
Children: Aaron and Alex
Favorite verses: Philippians 4:4-7
Favorite Vacation Spot: Pass-a-grille, Florida, and Maui, Hawaii
Favorite Activity: Spending time with family or cooking
Melinda Good
Administrative Assistant
As an Administrative Assistant, I do a lot of different tasks behind the scenes. You can find me organizing, answering questions, emailing, and much more.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Warehouse Manager Assistant at Habitat for Humanity
Favorite verses: Luke 5:16
Favorite Movie: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Favorite Vacation Spot: Disney World
Zechariah Good
Director of Worship Operations
I am the Director of Worship Operations. I primarily serve with Leah Kurtz on the weekend worship team and lead The Wave Worship Team. I also meet with musicians to help them develop their musical giftings to the Lord.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 2
Previous work: I helped my dad run the family business as a Brick Mason for Pyramid Masonry.
Favorite food: Smoked Salmon with Asparagus
Favorite book: Finding God’s Life for My Will by Mike Donehey
Abi Hooton
Assistant Director of Students & Newcomers
I am the Assistant Director of Students & Newcomers. I oversee the middle school Core Classes and help out on Wednesdays at The Wave. On the weekends, you can find me in the Atrium, engaging with newcomers and getting them connected to the church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Unit Assistant in the Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital
Favorite scripture: James 1:19-20
Favorite movie: Ooo that’s a hard one, ask me about my top ten favorite list sometime!
Favorite activity: I love to go hammocking, or just exploring new places/restaurants.
Steve Huffman
Executive Pastor
After 20 years working in management in the healthcare industry, my dream career, I made a radical shift to follow God’s call and a new dream to help where I could at The Vineyard Church. As the Executive Pastor I oversee a number of areas including leadership development, campus development, and prayer ministries.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Executive Leadership (interim President / Chief Information Officer) Memorial Hospital
Married to: Anne Huffman since 1997
Children: Ben, Jon, Jack
Favorite verses: Changes frequently
Favorite Vacation Spot: In the mountains in a cabin
Favorite Activity: Being a husband and dad
Sarah Kovach
Assistant Director of Spiritual Development
My role as Assistant Director of Spiritual Development is to help you strengthen your walk with Jesus and engage in community. I do this by helping develop and lead Vineyard Groups, FIT Classes, special events, and retreats.
At Vineyard since: 2014
On staff since: 2020
Following Jesus since: 2015
Previous Work: Mortgage Payoff Specialist for 1st Source Bank
Married to: Scott Kovach since 2004
Children: We have one son Noah Kovach, 11 years old
Favorite verse: Hebrews 10:24-25
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Activity: Hiking
Chris Krempec
Assistant Director of Technical Arts & Maintenance
I am the Assistant Director of Technical Arts and Maintenance. My primary goal is to produce the best atmosphere for worship through sound production. So our congregation can worship, praise, and listen to our message without distraction. As well as to help maintain a clean and welcoming environment.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Truck Centers Inc
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23
Favorite vacation spot: Boston, Massachusetts
Favorite activity: Long distance running
Andrew Kurtz
Pastor of Young Adults & Children's Ministry
My role is to lead our children’s ministry teams in creating an environment that engages the hearts and minds of the children of The Vineyard to help them recognize their identity in Christ and realize their potential in the Kingdom. Similarly, with Young Adults, my role is to empower, equip, and send out disciple-makers who are passionately pursuing Jesus.
At Vineyard since: 2015
On staff since: 2015
Following Jesus since: 2002
Married to: Leah Kurtz since 2018
Previous work: Skills Training Specialist at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
Favorite verses: Matthew 14:22-36
Favorite food: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Favorite sport: Ultimate Frisbee
Leah Kurtz
Director of Worship Arts & Prayer
I direct worship at The Vineyard Church. This includes our Weekend Celebrations, Prayer and Worship Gatherings, as well as our Young Adult and Student Ministries worship. My goal is to facilitate environments where we can love the Lord first and encounter the personal, yet powerful God.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Married to: Andrew Kurtz since 2018
Favorite verses: Psalms
Favorite Food: Manicotti from Papa Vino's
Favorite activity: Anything in the water! Swimming, tubing, boating, snorkeling, you name it!
Elyse Massey
Coordinator of the Vineyard Community Center
As the Coordinator of the Vineyard Community Center, I assist in the planning of outreach and mission events. I also regularly serve and lead at the Community Center.
CarolAnn Master
Assistant Director of Young Adults & Prayer
I help lead our Young Adult ministry on Tuesday nights; coordinating our worship and prayer teams and doing everything I can to see that group grow and thrive.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Phlebotomist
Favorite verses: Psalm 116:7
Favorite food: Waffles
Favorite TV show: The Office
Sam Murray
Director of Student Ministries and Spiritual Development
I oversee spiritual development, which includes all our classes, groups, and events with the ultimate goal of creating spiritually healthy followers of Jesus here at The Vineyard Church.
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Profit Center Manager - All Phase Electric Supply
Sean Myers
Outreach Intern
I am an outreach intern tasked with building a teen community in the Barbee Creek Development and maintenance of the two buildings in care of the Vineyard Church in this same community.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Children: Gabriel Myers
Previous work: Electrician
Favorite Scripture: My favorite story is the story of Joseph. I've always admired his resolve and faith in God when faced with the darkest times. It encourages me to keep my heart fixed on God when things get rough and it's hard to see the light at the other end.
Favorite Food: Fried Chicken
Favorite Movie: The Matrix
Sophia Omoijuanfo
Vineyard Young Adults & Prayer Intern
I am an intern with Young Adults and Prayer. I'm helping to launch young adult campus groups and the weekend intercessory prayer team.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: College Student
Favorite Scripture: Jesus healing the bleeding woman who had faith that encountering him would heal her.
Favorite book: The Hiding Place
Favorite activity: Distance running
Isaiah Owen
Assistant Director of Maintenance
I am the Assistant Director of Maintenance. It is my goal to help maintain the building and grounds to create welcoming, clean, and distraction less environments. As well as overseeing the maintenance, cleaning, and auto repair teams!
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Carpenters Apprentice at First Response
Married to: Elora Owen since 2021
Favorite Verse: Hebrews 11:1
Favorite Food: Biscuits and Gravy
Favorite Book: Authority in Prayer by Dutch Sheets
Joel Patterson
Director of Communications
I work with each ministry of our church to plan and implement effective communications through our website, social media, print, and word of mouth. My goal is that each person will hear exactly what they need to hear.
At Vineyard since: 2004
On staff since: 2010
Following Jesus since: Age 5
Previous work: Adjunct Math Teacher
Married to: Sara Patterson since 2010
Children: Harper, Eleanor, and Davis
Favorite verses: Luke 18:13-14
Favorite Food: Candy
Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride
Hannah Phillips
Assistant Director of Children's Ministry
I help run programming for Vineyard Kids. I also help coordinate and organize opportunities to build connection points between Vineyard Kids.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Favorite verse: Proverbs 19:21
Previous work: Physical Therapy Technician
Married to: Michael Phillips since 2022
Favorite vacation spot: Denver, Colorado
Favorite activity: Anything outside!
Mark Pope
Lead Pastor
Mark Pope is the founder and Lead Pastor of The Vineyard Church. Mark became a follower of Jesus in June of 1983 as a young adult. He graduated from Purdue University with a B.A. in Psychology, and later earned a Master's Degree in Ministry from Bethel College. Mark and his wife, Denise, started The Vineyard Church in the basement of his home in November of 1995. He is the primary weekend teacher here at The Vineyard and is passionate about sharing the life-changing story of Jesus in a way that makes it accessible to as many as possible.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Pastor
Married to: Denise Pope since 1990
Children: Leah, Isaac, and Anna Pope
Favorite Food: Burrito Supreme
Favorite Movie: Nacho Libre
Diane Shoemaker
Accountant
I am the Accountant for The Vineyard Church. My overall responsibilities include the accounting, recordkeeping and financial reporting for the church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: CPA
Married to: Larry since 1985
Children: Kaitlyn and Ben
Favorite verses: Proverbs 3:5-6
Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere we can go as a family
Favorite Book: The Circlemaker by Mark Batterson
Kathy Smarrella
Pastor of Missions & Outreach
I direct our community outreach—which includes the Vineyard Community Center—and our missions efforts, helping the church become the hands and feet of Jesus in our community and across the world. I also oversee spiritual development, which includes all our classes, groups, and events with the ultimate goal of creating spiritually healthy followers of Jesus here at The Vineyard Church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Events and program manager for the Institute for Peace Studies at Notre Dame
Favorite verses: Isaiah 43: 1-4
Favorite TV show: House Hunters International and Great British Bake Off
Favorite vacation spot: I loved visiting Northern Ireland a couple years ago!
Ally Steensma
Coordinator of Children’s Ministry
Justin Stevenson
Assistant Director of Communications
As the Assistant Director of Communications, my job is to help create appealing graphics and printed material with the Creative Design and Publication teams.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: PNC Bank
Married to: Lindsey Stevenson since 2014
Children: Everly
Favorite verses: Isaiah 61:1-4
Favorite TV Show: Parks and Recreation
Favorite Activity: Playing board games with my wife, daughter, and two cats, Taylor Swift and Samson
Abbie Stombres
Social Media Intern
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: College Student
Favorite Scripture: Parable of the Lost Sheep
Favorite food: Chicken parm
Favorite sport: I like to watch college basketball!
Landon Story
Coordinator of Student Worship and Leadership Development
I am the Coordinator of Student Worship and Leadership Development. I am responsible for planning and leading worship at Vineyard Students every Wednesday as well as developing student vocalists. I also have a hand in Leadership Development, working with our Vineyard School of Ministry to develop leaders who serve within their God-given callings as well as various other things.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: High School Student
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6
Favorite activity: Quality time with friends
Favorite sport: Football
Nyssa Sutherlin
Technical Arts Intern
I am interning on the Technical Arts team. I help create a warm, welcoming environment and space for people to come to worship God.
Amanda Winkleblack
Coordinator of Outreach & Missions
I assist with planning and executing outreach initiatives and special events in hopes that people feel the love of Jesus.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: College Student
Children: Blake, Aiden, and Callie
Favorite Scripture: I love John 8…“let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone”.
Favorite Food: I’m a foodie so all of it - Mexican, Thai, Indian, Italian, Turkish…
Favorite Activity: Visiting small towns, beach towns, enjoying local sites, eateries & shops.
Dan Yoder
Assistant Director of Digital Media
I am responsible for photography and social media at The Vineyard Church. This is done through gathering content for our social platforms and leading our volunteer Social Media & Photography Team.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Aldi
Favorite scripture: Galatians 2:20
Favorite TV show: Survivor
Favorite activity: Traveling and going to coffee shops